Dermatology Clinic Software: Lesion Maps, PASI and SCORAD Scores, and Before–After Photos

Dermatology depends on seeing change. Is the acne better than last month? Has the psoriasis spread? Did the melasma respond to the peels? A general prescription pad records the diagnosis and medicines, but not where the lesions were, how severe they were, or what the skin looked like before treatment.

This guide explains what a dermatology or skin clinic should look for in its software, and how Doctopath's case paper handles each part.

This article is for general information only. It is not medical advice. Scoring, treatment and procedure decisions remain with the treating doctor.

What does a skin clinic need to record?

Beyond the usual complaints and medicines, a dermatology visit needs:

• where the lesions are on the body
• a severity score that can be compared between visits
• clinical photos taken in a consistent way
• procedures done, and how many sessions remain in a package
• the patient's consent before a procedure

When this is spread across paper notes, a phone gallery and a billing book, it is hard to show the patient their progress, and easy to lose track of sessions. This is one reason one clinic software doesn't fit every specialty.

Skin history

The dermatology section of the case paper records the Fitzpatrick skin type, skin type, aggravating factors, hormonal history, products currently used and any steroid cream use. The examination notes cover hair, scalp, nails and mucosa. This history stays with the patient, so you don't ask the same questions at the next visit.

Lesion map

Mark lesions directly on front, back and face diagrams. Each mark is saved with the visit, so you can see at a glance where the condition was and whether it has spread or cleared. This is quicker than describing the location in words and easier for another doctor to understand.

Severity scores

Standard scores make progress measurable. The case paper includes calculators for:

• GAGS (Global Acne Grading System) and acne grade for acne
• PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) for psoriasis
• SCORAD for atopic dermatitis
• MASI (Melasma Area and Severity Index) for melasma
• SALT (Severity of Alopecia Tool) for alopecia areata

The score is calculated as you enter the values and saved with the visit.

Skin progress across visits

After two or more visits, the progress view shows a chart of the chosen score over time, the change from the first visit to the latest, and a table of each visit's scores, procedures and photos. It is a simple way to show the patient that the treatment is working, or to decide that it needs to change.

Clinical photos and before–after comparison

Upload clinical photos to the patient's visit and compare any two side by side. Before–after comparison helps in follow-up consultations, especially for acne scars, pigmentation, hair loss and cosmetic procedures.

Clinical photos are part of the patient's medical record. Take them with the patient's consent, and do not share identifiable photos without permission.

Procedure packages

Many skin treatments are sold as packages, such as six chemical peel sessions or a course of laser hair reduction. In Doctopath:

• choose the procedure from your clinic's treatment list
• bill it once as a package with the number of sessions
• each time a session is done, record it in the case paper
• the case paper shows how many sessions are done and how many remain

The front desk and the doctor see the same count, so there is no confusion about whether a session was already used.

Prescription templates

Skin conditions are often treated with similar combinations of topical and oral medicines. Save a template once, for example for acne or tinea, and add it to a prescription in one click. Templates that match the visit's diagnosis are shown first, and you can change any medicine before printing.

Procedure consent forms

Before a procedure, open the consent form in the case paper. The patient signs on screen, the doctor's signature is added from their profile, and the form is saved with the visit and can be printed. This keeps consent records together with the clinical notes instead of in a separate file.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fill every score at every visit?

No. Use only the scores that apply to the patient's condition. Each section can also be switched on or off in the case paper settings.

Can the patient get a printed copy?

Yes. The prescription, dermatology details and the consent form can be printed.

Does it work for a clinic with more than one doctor?

Yes. All doctors in the clinic see the same patient record, photos and package status.

Is your skin clinic still using paper and a phone gallery?

If lesion notes, photos and package sessions are kept in different places, one case paper can save time at every visit and make progress easy to show. See what Doctopath's clinic management software includes, or contact us for a demo set up for a dermatology practice.